Monthly Archives December 2015

You have probably heard my powerful voice at dusk or at night, during the spring and summer, especially if you live towards the eastern plains. I am a very discrete and shy wader, mainly dwelling in the grazed, dry meadows and in vineyards. This bird is quite unknown in Corsica. It was thought that there were only a few couples on the island. However, surveys held in 2009-2011 were to hold quite a surprise: there were around 150 couples. The results (numbers and distribution), were brought out in a monograph published in October 2015 – this is the most complete monograph to date, about this species (Occhione) in Italy and Corsica.

For generations now, men and women have dedicated much of their time into making bread. Not only wheat was used, but also corn, rye, barley, and chestnuts.

Cereal bread (pane di u ranellu) was usually barley, rye or wheat.

‘U pane pisticcinu’ or ‘pane castagninu’ was made entirely from chestnuts – it had the disadvantage of being conserved but a short time.

In the old days, baking was once a week and usually on a Saturday. Homemade bread (pane casanu) was made in the family oven (u furnu), if there was one of course. Otherwise, it was made beside the church in what was called ‘u furnu di campana’, beside the bell tower. Women used the ovens collectively, taking turns and were in charge of the firewood for heating...

A flowering plant symbolising ‘abundance’, and which can be found on the island and along the Mediterranean. It used to be exported in large quantities when Corsica was under Genoese domination. Attractive and blending into the natural landscape, this small tree grows up to 5m (which is quite high, all the same). With white perfumed flowers, the fruit remains small and dark blue – having been used in antiquity as pepper, because of its’ spiciness. In fact, the leaves can be used to replace laurel, for flavouring and recipes exist using the berries (i.e. flavouring meat).

All over the island liqueur is produced, which is absolutely delicious and worth trying out (even bringing some home) – best to be advised where to purchase it, as there are less interesting products, which can be mislea...